Clarke's Commentary - Proverbs - Song Of ... - Media Sabda Org

ECCLESIASTES
CHAPTER V
The reverence to be observed in attending Divine worship, 1-3. We should be faithfu1 to over
engagements, 4-7. The oppression of the innocent, 8. The king dependent on the produce of the
soil, 9. Against covetousness, 10, 11. The peace of the honest labourer, 12. The evil effect of
riches, 13, 14. Man cannot carry his property to the grave, 15-17. We should thankfully enjoy the
blessings of God, 18-20.
NOTES ON CHAP. V
Verse 1. Keep thy foot] This verse the Hebrew and all the versions join to the preceding chapter.
Solomon, having before intimated, though very briefly, that the only cure against human vanity
is a due sense of religion, now enters more largely on this important subject, and gives some
excellent directions with regard to the right performance of Divine service, the nature of vocal and
mental prayer, the danger of rash vows, &c.—C.
The whole verse might be more literally translated thus:—
"Guard thy steps as thou art going to the house of God; and approach to hearken, and not to give
the sacrifice of fools, for none of them have knowledge about doing evil." "They offer gifts for
their sins, and do not turn from their evil works; for they know not (they distinguish not)
between good and evil." See the Chaldee.
Verse 2. Be not rash with thy mouth] Do not hasten with thy mouth; weigh thy words, feel
deeply, think much, speak little.
"When ye approach his altar, on your lips
Set strictest guard; and let your thoughts be pure,
Fervent, and recollected. Thus prepared,
Send up the silent breathings of your souls,
Submissive to his will."
C.
Verse 3. For a dream cometh] That is, as dreams are generally the effect of the business in which
we have been engaged during the day; so a multitude of words evidence the feeble workings of the
foolish heart.
Verse 4. When thou vowest a vow] When in distress and difficulty, men are apt to promise much
to God if he will relieve them; but generally forget the vow when the distress or trouble is gone by.
Verse 5. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, &c.] We are under constant obligations to live
to God; no vow can make it more so. Yet, there may be cases in which we should bind ourselves to